In her journals, Maud wrote that most of her trousseau was made in Toronto and Montreal, which means that she would have ordered these outfits from good dressmakers (within her budget), rather than through local dressmakers or catalogues. 

The following dresses are said to be typical of 1911 fashion and are “afternoon” dresses.  Interestingly, fashion changed quite dramatically by 1912, which means that Maud wouldn’t have gotten much wear out of these pieces.  For example, by 1913, the full bosom look was flatten and raised, and skirt lines were narrowed.

You may notice that Maud wears the same hat with each of these dresses, though they differ in style.

This first dress, above, has a false blouse.  It is made out of wool and trimmed with silk-covered wooden buttons.  Maud would have worn this when attending church, visiting or shopping.

Maud would have been able to wear this embroidered dress well into 1913 because of its avant-guarde style, which includes a high waist.  Its Japanese-inspired obi-sash is repeated on the front of the skirt and probably the back as well.

(Left) Maud described this coat in her journals as a “long wrap…of gray broadcloth”.  Its wide arm holes meant that she could wear it over a variety of dresses.  And even though wide sleeves would soon be out of style, they could be easily altered.  The coat also sports a full lace-trimmed collar and a double-button closure with cord frogs.

(Right) This lighter dress would have been worn by Maud in more casual settings, such as picnics, outside activities, or for writing and sewing.

(Left) Maud recorded that this dress was her favourite.  “My trousseau dresses were all pretty and smart but the only one I really call a favourite was a black one of silk striped net.”  This would have been considered a “sophisticated afternoon dress”.  A more plain or dull black dress would have been used for mourning.

(Right) This is considered the most old-fashioned piece Maud had.  The fullness of the skirt would have been heightened with more underclothing, and its flared hem and full sleeves were characteristic of fashion pre-1911.

And finally, Maud’s wedding dress.  By 1911, the year of Maud’s wedding, it was an established custom to wear white.  And though it was a tradition to turn your wedding dress into an evening gown, Maud’s dress was preserved as it was on the day she married Ewan.